John and Agnes Carberry's enduring love story has bridged the divide of their upbringing for over six decades, a testament to the power of love in the face of division.

In a rare instance of integration, a school in Jordanstown, Northern Ireland, brought together Catholic and Protestant deaf children, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn together, long before integrated education became the norm.

According to John, the deaf community was spared the sectarian tensions that plagued Northern Ireland, allowing him and Agnes to form a bond free from religious animosity, a phenomenon he attributes to the inclusive nature of the deaf community.

Hailing from different backgrounds, John, a Catholic from west Belfast, and Agnes, a Protestant from the Silent Valley, have navigated their differences to build a life together.

The award-winning documentary A Quiet Love, Ireland's first feature film in Irish Sign Language (ISL), showcases the couple's cross-community love story, one of three featured in the film, which has gained international recognition.

The documentary sheds light on the challenges faced by deaf individuals during The Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted nearly 30 years and resulted in the loss of over 3,500 lives.

John and Agnes recount the difficulties they faced, including disapproval from their families and society at large, as well as the perilous experience of living through bombings and gunfire without the ability to hear.

John's motivation for participating in the film was to share the experiences of deaf people during The Troubles, highlighting the often-overlooked impact of the conflict on their lives.

The couple's independence was severely curtailed during this period, as John explains, "Our social lives were greatly affected, and our autonomy was stripped away."

Despite the numerous challenges they faced, Agnes and John remain committed to the power of love, emphasizing its triumph over hate in their own story.

John notes that while many documentaries and books have focused on the darker aspects of The Troubles, their story offers a rare glimpse of hope and resilience.

Agnes adds that their love has been a beacon of peace and equality, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, love can prevail.

A Quiet Love is a groundbreaking film, produced by a deaf and hearing team, which incorporates both Irish Sign Language and British Sign Language, a first for an Irish feature film.

John expresses his delight at the film's ability to raise awareness about the existence of sign languages, saying, "It's wonderful to hear people say, 'I had no idea there were two languages existing here in Ireland'."

Agnes shares John's enthusiasm, adding, "It's marvelous to see both our languages on the big screen, giving us a sense of pride and representation."

The documentary tells the stories of three couples, including John and Agnes, as well as an LGBTQI+ couple, Kathy and Michelle, and a deaf boxer, Seán, and his hearing partner, Deyanna, each navigating their unique challenges.

Directed by Garry Keane and co-produced by Anne Heffernan and Seán Herlihy of Curious North Productions, the film is a testament to the power of love and community.

Garry Keane, who has worked with the deaf community for over a decade, considers the film one of the highlights of his career, a sentiment echoed by his collaborators.

Anne Heffernan was drawn to the intimacy and beauty of sign language, which she describes as "cinematic," and saw an opportunity to showcase the deaf community's stories in a unique and compelling way.

The film's focus on love stories was a departure from Garry's usual work in humanitarian filmmaking, but one that he found refreshing and inspiring.

The documentary's exploration of love and relationships in the deaf community offers a nuanced glimpse into a world often overlooked, but one that is full of beauty, complexity, and humanity.

Garry's experience working on the film was a welcome change from his usual fare, and he found the experience of documenting love stories to be a "lovely breath of fresh air."

The film has garnered international recognition, screening at festivals worldwide and winning numerous awards, including the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award at the Global Production Awards in Cannes.

However, the greatest accolade for the filmmakers has been the response from the deaf community, who have expressed their gratitude for the representation and validation the film provides.

Anne recalls the emotional reactions of audience members, who felt seen and heard through the film, and were able to connect with the stories on a deep level.

The film's impact on the deaf community has been profound, with many expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to see themselves reflected on screen.

Agnes and John's story, in particular, has resonated with audiences, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of love and acceptance.

The film has also provided an opportunity for the couple to share their story with a wider audience, including their own grandchildren, who had never heard it before.

For Agnes and John, the film is not just a love story, but a chance to raise awareness about the experiences of deaf people and to promote understanding and empathy.

As Agnes notes, "We're just people, with relationships, feelings, and emotions, just like anyone else," highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity.

The couple's message is one of hope and love, emphasizing the power of relationships to transcend adversity and bring people together.

So, what is the secret to their enduring love?

John's response is simple: "Love," he says, is the key to their longevity.

"It's the foundation of our relationship," he explains, "and it's what has carried us through the ups and downs of life."

For Agnes and John, love is not just a feeling, but a choice, one that they have made every day for over 60 years.

A Quiet Love is now showing in selected cinemas across Ireland, offering audiences a chance to experience the beauty and power of love in all its forms.